Lathrop fundraiser takes place Saturday

The tragic fire that took the home of Steve and Tracey Lathrop will no longer burn down their morale, as members of the Craig community are coming together to raise donations for the family at the Skate and Soup fundraiser Saturday.

Tracey and Steve Lathrop lost their home to a fire.

If you are looking to have some fun and give back to the community, the Skate and Soup will be the place to do it. The fundraiser will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Loudy-Simpson Ice Arena and anyone is welcome to attend. Skating will be $4 per person and skate rentals will be $3. A variety of steamy soups such as chicken noodle, chili and others that volunteers would like to bring will be readily available for $5. Also, to combat the frigid cold, there will be warm cups of hot cocoa available for $1.

“I can’t believe how much everyone in the community has come together. It has been truly humbling,” said Allie Lijedahl, daughter-in-law of Steve and Tracey Lathrop.

So far, the donation jars that have been placed around in Craig businesses by James Robinson and Sybil Schmedeke already have collected $200, and that number is continuing to grow. Also, the Help the Lathrop Family and the Lathrop Family Fire Fund websites have raised a total of $2,235. Lijedahl said that their goal is to raise at least $5,000 so that they can help their parents get back on their feet. Steve said that every bit counts and that he is very appreciative of all the help they’ve received from the community. According to Steve Lathrop, they usually are on the giving side of these things but now they’re on the receiving end.

“I would like to be on the giving side again,” Steve said.

The Lathrops already have received a bed, dresser, refrigerator and a washer and dryer from community donors and now are trying to get some of the smaller stuff, as well. They still are in need of dishes, silverware, hair dryers, brushes, clothes and other household essentials. There also will be several trucks at the Skate and Soup for anyone who would like to bring donations.

If you or anyone you know is interested in helping out for the fundraiser, you can volunteer by contacting Allie Lijedahl either on thew Facebook page, Help the Lathrop Family, or by calling 970-620-6490.

Bear Steadman, a student at Colorado Northwestern Community College, is working as a fall intern for the Craig Daily Press.